Social Work and Social Welfare: An Invitation (New Directions in Social Work)

The seventh edition of Social Work and Social Welfare: An Invitation provides an authoritative and accessible overview of the knowledge, skills, and values that are essential for future social workers across various practice settings in an ever-evolving world. As with previous editions, this book is an up-to-date profile of the landscape in which today’s social workers practice, encompassing current demographic, statistical, legislative, policy, and research information, sensitive discussions around contemporary ethical issues, and fresh profiles of social workers with first-person narratives that demonstrate the fulfilling field students will be joining. To reflect and address the changes within the profession and the world since the previous edition was released, Vithya Murugan, Marla Berg-Weger, and new co-author Annah Kay Bender revised and added content that:

• presents the histories of social welfare and the social work profession as the intertwined phenomena that they are
• discusses emerging trends within the profession, including developing perspectives and practices around gun violence, social media use, AI, and increased calls for abolitionism
• depicts a wider array of professional roles within social work, featuring new practitioner profiles that touch on approaches grounded in restorative justice and community practice
• reflects the CSWE’s 2022 EPAS and stresses the standards’ new emphasis on anti-racism, diversity, equity, and inclusion in professional practice

The book’s refreshed overview is supported by a range of fully updated instructor- and student-led resources that are available through the book’s companion website, www.routledgesw.com. Altogether, the seventh edition of Social Work and Social Welfare maintains its essential and engaging coverage of the field, introducing readers to the world of social work and professional practice with individuals, families, groups, organizations, communities, and in policy settings.

Vithya Murugan, Associate Professor in the School of Social Work at Saint Louis University, Missouri.

Annah Kay Bender, Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work and faculty affiliate in the Gender Studies Program at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Marla Berg-Weger, Professor Emerita in the School of Social Work at Saint Louis University, Missouri, where she also serves as the Executive Director of the Geriatric Education Center.